The report examines 109 major films and 305 television programs in 2014 that included more than 11,000 speaking characters. About 28 percent of all speaking characters were members of minority groups whereas these groups represent 37.9 percent of the total U.S. population. Blacks and other minorities were even less represented among directors, producers, and entertainment industry executives.

Stacy L. Smith, associate professor of communication and lead author of the report, states that “this is no more mere diversity problem. This is an inclusion crisis. Over 20 percent of the content we covered featured no African American characters. It is clear that the ecosystem of entertainment is exclusionary.”

The full report, Inclusion or Invisibility? Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity in Entertainment, may be downloaded by clicking here.

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Which statement best reflects your view on the proposed appointment of neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development?

He’s a smart man and is up to the challenge.

President-elect Trump’s token Black appointment.

Given his medical background, a government appointment in the health care field would have been more appropriate.